adjective
contingent
kuhn-TIN-juhnt/kʌntˈɪndʒʌnt/
Depending on circumstances or chance rather than being certain.
Our picnic plans are contingent on whether the weather stays sunny.
Etymology
The combination originally meant “to touch,” then came to mean “to happen to someone” or “befall.” Its participle developed the sense “possible,” leading to something dependent on circumstances rather than certain.
In context
furthermore contingent beings are dependent upon something else for their existence
More examples
- The job offer is contingent on a background check.
- Our success remains contingent on factors beyond our control.
- The school keeps a substitute list because staffing needs are contingent.
Forms
contingent
contingency noun — A possible event requiring advance preparation.
Similar words
- conditional
- Emphasizes a stated requirement that must first be met.
- dependent
- Emphasizes reliance on something else, not necessarily chance.
- uncertain
- Emphasizes lack of certainty without identifying a specific condition.